Tlemcen, Algeria

Capital City

With a population of just 173,500, Tlemcen is hardly the cosmopolitan hub one might expect from Algeria's second-largest city. The leather, carpet, and textile industries provide economic opportunities, but the city's centuries-old blend of Arab, Berber, Andalusi, Ottoman, and Western influences also means persistent bureaucracy is a headache. And while the "African Granada" enjoys a relatively temperate climate compared to other Algerian cities, the urban fabric has suffered from endemic conflicts between the city's diverse ethno-religious groups. Tlemcen may appeal to those seeking a slower-paced, culturally-rich environment, but it's no place for the faint of heart.